Numbers 22:41-23:12 – Balaam’s First Oracle

Read Numbers 22:41-23:12

Balaam boldly proclaimed the LORD’s message, and Balak, the Moabite king was not pleased. I was impressed that Balaam did not cower and cave in under pressure knowing his words from God would not be popular. After all, in our last reading we’re told he refused to help the king, but here we see both men’s true colors.

I wonder what was going through Balaam’s mind when he saw the hoards of Israelites camped out below? Did he marvel at the sheer number of God’s people he’d been asked by Balak to curse? Was he afraid for his own life? Was he thinking of the riches he would receive in return for cursing these people? Whatever was happening from that high place, likely a shrine to the pagan god, Baal, Balaam chose to pay his respects to God with sacrifices as he waited for God’s response.

Note that it was Balaam’s “choice” to construct these seven altars. God hadn’t told him to do that. Balaam made sure that Balak was involved in that process by preparing the altars and providing the animals. We’re told that both Balak and Balaam sacrificed these animals. You may recall from the law of Moses that only priests could perform sacrifices. Balaam clearly didn’t know that.

Balak was probably thinking that such sacrifices would lead to a curse. Balaam was hoping God would give him directions of what to do next. God was indeed moving and gave Balaam a message. This message or oracle was in the form of poetry, describing the vision. God used even Balaam, an outsider, to share his message.

What comes out of Balaam’s mouth is the complete opposite of what Balak anticipated. I can understand his anger and frustration after spending time with this whole process. Balaam’s words were brilliant!  “I will speak only the message that the LORD puts in my mouth.” That’s an integrity-filled statement, wouldn’t you agree? Or perhaps it was Balaam dreaming of being accepted as part of the hoard of God’s chosen ones receiving this blessing.

In any case, take a moment to let Balaam’s response speak to you. Balaam wasn’t an Israelite, and yet he still revered God and wanted only God’s words to come out of his mouth. How often do we wait for God to speak through us? I suppose we might think it’s impossible to speak only the LORD’s messages when we remember all the conversations we’ve had in the last 24 hours.

Perhaps we can glean some wisdom from it just the same. To know what the LORD wants us to say requires us to be listening. It also helps if we spend time in his word to familiarize ourselves with God’s character and desires for his people. If we talk in ways that don’t honor God, there is no possibility God has put those words into our mouths.

Colossians 3:17 is a verse that emphasizes how we as Christians should act. It reads, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” We need to remember whose we are and act and speak accordingly.

Let’s pray. Lord, you are mighty and wise, and I worship you and bring you praise. Help me to always act and speak in ways that honor you and bring glory to your name. Forgive me for times when I speak words that are not helpful or enlightened by you. May I tap into your wisdom and do better at waiting for you to give me the message you’d have for me to share. In Jesus’ name. Amen.